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The
election process in Iraq has entered a new stage as
political parties and groups have begun to campaign
against each other.
However, the Iraqi Islamic Party, led by Mohsen
Abdul-Hamid, has decided to boycott the January 30
general election, probably due to the frequent
threats directed against party members by Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi’s supporters and certain power-hungry
leaders of the minority.
Extremists have been continuously criticizing the
Islamic Party, the only widely respected party of
the minority, for its leaders’ moderate policies.
Jalal Talebani, the leader of the Patriotic Union of
Kurdistan (PUK), and Massoud Barzani, the leader of
the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), have different
views on the participation of Kirkuk’s citizens, but
nevertheless they are still calling for the election
to be held on schedule.
With less than a month to go until the election, the
minority is exerting great pressure on Iraqi
officials, demanding a revision of electoral
regulations and putting obstacles in the path of the
democratization process in Iraq.
Local elements and certain regional and
trans-regional powers are disputing over the date of
the election, but they are unanimous in their
opposition to the majority and determined to prevent
their victory.
In addition, certain Iraqi figures who were part of
former dictator Saddam Hussein’s power structure are
trying to gain the lion’s share of seats in the
country’s decision-making body since they are
opposed to the idea of the fair distribution of
power based on proportional representation.
However, a significant section of the minority
community has decided to boycott the election and
some have even threatened to attack polling stations
in order to force Iraqi officials to cancel the
election.
In another unfortunate development, certain
countries bordering Iraq that are fiercely and
fundamentally opposed to the democratization of the
country are directly and indirectly encouraging the
power-thirsty segment of the minority to disrupt the
election.
The occupying forces, which want to proclaim victory
in their campaign against terrorism, are apparently
making every effort to make sure that the election
can be held on schedule. But the outcome of the
election, which will undoubtedly be in favor of the
majority, worries them.
The majority of the Iraqi populace, which has faced
local and regional pressure, is well aware of the
fact that the democratization of their country will
lead to the establishment of peace and stability in
Iraq and the region.
Hence, they have formed a logical coalition with
Islamic and non-Islamic groups and are working hard
so that a free and fair election can be held.
Turnout is of paramount importance, but it will have
no impact on the poll and a fair election can still
be held if segments of the minority, which makes up
about 15 percent of the Iraqi population, refuse to
participate in the election.
In both Western and Islamic democracy, a 15 percent
minority in opposition is usually unavoidable, yet
it is clear that this situation can also help to
institutionalize democracy.
It would not be unprecedented if 15 percent of the
people do not cast ballots. Their decision will not
cast doubt on the legitimacy of the future Iraqi
government and political system. Turnout is low in
general elections in many Western countries, and
particularly in the United States. The turnout will
probably be higher in the Iraqi general election
than the approximately 58 percent of eligible voters
who participated in the recent U.S. presidential
election.
Yet, the majority must be alert and should adopt a
strategy to confront local elements seeking power
and to ensure that the best possible election is
held.
Undoubtedly, this election will have great influence
on the future of Iraq and the region. The victory of
an oppressed majority that had been marginalized for
years due to some Arab countries’ misconceptions can
guarantee Iraq’s territorial integrity and unity.
If certain regional and trans-regional powers
succeed in disrupting the election or rigging the
vote or marginalizing certain Iraqi religious and
ethnic groups, there will be a civil war, with
repercussions that affect all regional countries.
http://www.tehrantimes.com
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